Why Andy Reid says conducting the Tabernacle Choir was one of the highlights of his life

One of my favorite Christmas songs is “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” whose opening lines romantically capture the image of a small, quiet town where something wondrous has just happened. Every year around Christmas, families across the world reenact the story of Joseph and Mary traveling the difficult journey to Bethlehem, only to find no room in the inn (see Luke 2). The wise men, too, are remembered for first going to Jerusalem only to learn that it is Bethlehem where the Christ child is actually to be found (see Matthew 2).

We didn’t intend to be the only nonmembers in our ward. We knew we’d be in the religious minority when we moved to our small town in Utah County, Utah, in 2002, but we expected that minority to be more than two-ish percent.

It's likely that you've heard at least once in your life that Jesus was born on April 6. But is that really a true doctrine? How do we know?

Weeks before Erik Gray passed away, he shared in an interview what he called his “message to the world": “Be happy,” he said. “Take advantage of the opportunities you have. Love other people. Take the opportunity to share the gospel. Feel the gospel and how real it is to you. Take the time to do the little things. Through scripture study, prayer and temple attendance, I’ve been able to feel peace and joy and live a happier life.”

After losing his daughter Annie last year, Jon Schmidt speaks of the pain he experienced facing the first Christmas without her. But then, he stumbled across a song that captured his feelings, and he decided to share it with those who are also missing a loved one this holiday season in a new Piano Guys video featuring Craig Aven.

"Jesus Christ spent His life serving others. He blessed, healed, taught, and sacrificed so each of us would have a pattern of living to follow that will bring us happiness and lead us home to our Heavenly Father. As we study the Savior’s teachings, example, and sacrifice, they will take on a deeply personal meaning," Mormon Channel writes on a video the Church created with BYU Vocal Point. "We will begin to understand that everything He did was done for us. Coming to know this for yourself is both wonderful and amazing." Watch their stunning music video of "I Stand All Amazed."

Recently, theChurch announcedthat all priests holding the Aaronic priesthood and a limited-use temple recommend may officiate in baptisms for the dead and young women with a limited-use temple recommend may also assist with baptistry assignments previously reserved for sister temple ordinance workers. Here are a few new insights into these changes from Church leaders.

If a Christmas tree falls and no one is at home, does it make a sound?

As winter approaches and the weather turns chilly, this experience President Monson had on a cold, winter night is sure to warm your heart and remind us of the meaning of Christlike service.